Healing Minds,
Emporing Lifes.
Healing Minds,
Emporing Lifes.
Instructor
Reema Alhowaish, Ph.D.
EMDRIA Approved Trainer and Consultant.
EMDRIA Approval Statement
This training program and curriculum are EMDRIA-approved. EMDRIA approves training programs and curriculum that meet its standards for EMDR Basic Training. EMDRIA does not provide continuing education credits. Completion of Part 1 and Part 2 constitutes partial training in EMDR Therapy, and full certification requires completion of all training hours, consultation requirements, and the learner assessment.
An introduction to the trainer
Reema Alhowaish, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at King Abdulaziz University. She is an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant who lives, practices, and provides EMDR therapy training in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She is also the founder of Dr. Reema Center for Neurofeedback and Counseling (RNC).
Dr. Alhowaish is a trauma specialist with over ten years of clinical experience. She has been practicing EMDR therapy since 2017, incorporating it as a core component of her daily clinical work. She adopts an integrative therapeutic approach, drawing on evidence-based modalities including Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Clinical Hypnosis, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), enabling her to tailor treatment to individual client needs.
Dr. Alhowaish teaches EMDR therapy through the lenses of Polyvagal Theory, while taking into account cultural diversity and the specific sociocultural context of each client. With over 25 years of experience in building training programs and delivering training, she is skilled in simplifying complex concepts and enhancing clarity and ease of understanding throughout the learning process. In addition, she specializes in Neurofeedback therapy.
The course timeline
This EMDR Basic Training is a 50-hour program delivered over 3 months.
One day (5 hours) right before the first weekend (part 1) on Friday from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Part 1 the first weekend (15 hours) 3-days training sessions (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm).
5 hours of consultation on EMDR Therapy after (part 1) for 5 weeks. One hour each week.
Part 2 (15 hours) 3-days training weekend sessions (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm).
One day (5 hours) right after the second weekend (part 2) on Friday from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
5 hours of consultation on EMDR Therapy after (part 2) for 5 weeks. One hour each week.
Training spread over three months.
The training will be held from 300:pm to 8:30 pm. Breaks are for 30 minutes.
Please note: This training is conducted at Riyadh Time Zone, Saudi Arabia
This training includes:
20 hours of lecture
20 hours of supervised practicum
10 hours of consultation
A learner assessment (open-book, ungraded) is required at the end of the training as part of completion requirements.
Trainees will learn via lectures, discussions, video demonstrations, role play demonstrations, and small group exercises. All practice will be applied under supervision.
Trainees must complete all didactic, practicum and consultation hours within 12 months of starting the training in order to receive a certificate of completion.
Participants who successfully complete all training hours, consultation requirements, and the learner assessment will receive a Certificate of Completion for the EMDR Basic Training Program, and they can refer to themselves as “EMDR Trained”.
Zoom Information :
All live lectures and practicum sessions will be held on Zoom. The Zoom links for each session are available in the course portal, and you will receive an email containing the Zoom link during the week prior to the training. Please check your spam or junk folder if it does not appear in your inbox
If you do not already have Zoom installed, clicking the session link will prompt you to download and install the software before joining the session. Please join a few minutes early, especially if you are new to Zoom, to allow time to resolve any technical issues.
By registering for this training, you confirm that you have the technology needed to participate. If you need technical assistance, please contact: Email: rnc.2021@hotmail.com or Phone / WhatsApp: +966540017678 at least one week before the training starts.
Training Material:
Your training manual and practicum worksheets can be found in canvas. After you complete your registration, you will be added to Canvas and will be able to access the materials.
Registration and Access:
After completing registration, participants will receive Canvas link to access the training materials.
Training information
Training contents
First weekend:
Traumatology overview:
1. Triune Brain
2. Top- down / bottom - up approach.
3. The Polyvagal Theory
4. Threaten response and the roles of: Limbic system, Prefrontal cortex, Amygdala, cerebellum
5. Neurobiology and brain network
6. Triple network studies on PTSD
7. Neuro Study Finding about EMDR from Neurobiological Perspective.
8. Window of tolerance
9. Trauma-Informed perspective and its important during trauma therapy
10. Memory and information processing.
11. EMDR Terminology and definitions.
EMDR origin and History
Researches about the Mechanism of how EMDR therapy works.
The Adaptive Information Processing model (AIP)
The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy
Standard Three-Pronged EMDR Therapy Protocol
Second weekend:
Review the Eight Phases of EMDR
Explain the Eight Phases of EMDR: (Phase 1): History Taking, (Phase 2): Client Preparation
Working with Abreaction and Blocks
The Cognitive Interweave
Explain in details The Standard Three-Pronged EMDR Therapy Protocol
Protocols and Procedures for Special Situations: Recent events, Anxiety and Phobia, Illness and somatic disorders, Grief.
Self-use for Affect Regulation.
EMDR with specific populations: Children, Couples, Addictions, Sexual Abuse Victims, Complex PTSD or DESNOS, Dissociative clients, Military (COMBAT VETERANS )
Professional, legal, ethical issues and culture diversity:
The general principles and issues necessary for excellence in practice.
Continuing education, professional experience, and Issues of informed consent.
EMDR therapy via teletherapy.
Cultural issues that includes these topics: Racism, Cultural Concealment, client's culture.
Relationship boundaries and Culture rejection.
training-contents-and-time-frame.tiiny.site
*Click the link above to view the training content and schedule.
Required Supplemental Material:
A. Access to the EMDRIA definition of EMDR therapy can be found online at
https://www.emdria.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/EMDRIADefinitionofEMDR.pdf
B. Access to a current list of EMDR related research citations can be found online at
1. EMDRIA Library https://www.emdria.org/library/
2. EMDR Foundation Research List https://emdrfoundation.org/emdr-info/research-lists
3. Research Bibliography https://emdrresearchfoundation.org/resources/emdrtherapy-research-bibliography
C. Access to the Journal of EMDR Research Practice and Research Volume 13 Issue 4
https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgremdr/13/4
D. Information regarding membership and programming of EMDRIA
1. https://www.emdria.org/about-emdria/emdria-membership/
2. Becoming an EMDR Therapist 2023 video
https://youtu.be/1Ek27CriWyM?si=ukPTsohh963HJ9hC
Course Expectations & Trainee Progress
Participants are able to track course progress by:
Following a clear roadmap and handouts that outline each stage of Part 1 and Part 2.
Attending and actively participating in all training sessions and practicum activities.
Practicing EMDR and receiving direct feedback from EMDRIA-approved consultants during practicum sessions.
Experiencing EMDR as a client to deepen understanding and build confidence.
Using worksheets and structured tools to follow the EMDR protocol and reflect on learning.
Participating in consultation sessions to discuss cases, ask questions, and assess skill development.
Applying EMDR gradually in clinical practice and observing increasing confidence and competence.
Reflecting on progress and discussing learning experiences with peers.
Staying connected through the Canvas platform for continued support and questions after training.
Demonstrating growth through consistent clinical practice, leading to competence and mastery.
Trainee Expectations
Attend all the training sessions and the 10 consultation sessions.
Engage actively in all practice activities during the training. Each trainee will practice the role of EMDR therapist and a client for all EMDR phases.
Start using EMDR therapy with clients after completion of Part 1.
Attend 5 consultation group sessions. Trainees must complete the 5 required consultation sessions following part 1 to attend part 2.
Attend 5 consultation group sessions following part 2 to get EMDR basic training certificate.
Trainees who miss one or more consultation sessions will be responsible for arranging and attending consultation sessions with with any other EMDR Approved Consultants and providing documentation verifying their attendance for the required consultation hours.
These requirements outline the minimum eligibility requirements to take an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Training
Eligibility Requirements for EMDR Basic Training - EMDR International Association
Licensed Mental Health Professionals
Qualifying medical doctors must be licensed to practice in their state or province or their countries.
Qualifying advanced practice registered nurses must have a Master of Science in Nursing (or higher) with a specialization in psychiatric mental health nursing and must be licensed to practice through their state board or province or their countries..
Qualifying Mental Health Clinicians must have a master’s degree in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline and be licensed to practice through their state board or province or their countries.
Qualifying Mental health clinicians from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries are eligible to register only if they hold a current and active professional license issued by the official governmental licensing authority in their respective country (e.g., the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties in Saudi Arabia) and are actively providing psychotherapy or mental health treatment to clients as part of their routine clinical practice.
Individuals who only hold a chemical dependency or substance abuse license are not eligible as these licenses generally do not allow for a mental health scope of practice.
Pre-Licensed Mental Health Professionals
These are clinicians who are actively pursuing a mental health license through their state board (or province) or their countries while working under a licensed supervisor. Some of these license types include associate, intern, limited, provisional, temporary and pre-license.
Qualifying pre-licensed mental health clinicians must have a master's degree in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline and must be actively pursuing a full license through their state board (or province) or their countries while working under a licensed supervisor.
Individuals who only hold a chemical dependency or substance abuse license are not eligible as these licenses generally do not allow for a mental health scope of practice.
Graduate Students
Qualifying graduate students must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work) or related mental health discipline. Students must have completed their core graduate academic coursework and must be in the practicum/internship portion of their graduate program.
First year graduate students are not eligible. Graduate students must be on a licensing track and working under the supervision of a fully licensed mental health clinician.
In addition to the above requirements for qualifying graduate students, graduate students from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries must be actively providing psychotherapy or mental health treatment to clients as part of their supervised clinical training during EMDR training.
Graduate students who would like to take an EMDR Training will need to submit certain documentation (graduate transcript, practicum or internship details, and a letter from their supervisor which includes the supervisor's license information and number) in order to verify their eligibility. Students do not need to provide EMDRIA™ with any documentation unless specifically asked to do so by EMDRIA™ staff. Any documentation that needs to be submitted would go directly to RNC center prior to the training registration process. Please email this letter to RNC center at rnc.2021@hotmail.com
The cost of the training includes Part 1 and Part 2, and 10 consultation group sessions.
The registration deadline is one week before the day that the training begins.
By registering for this training, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and meet all of the eligibility requirements for EMDR training, and that you agree to comply with all of the requirements, policies, and expectations outlined above.